Laundry Aide and Method for Sorting, Laundering,and Drying Matched Articles of Clothing

ABSTRACT

A laundry aide and method dramatically reduce the effort and time required to locate and recouple a matched pair of washable items. The laundry aide includes a member and a set of porous compartments arranged about the member. Each compartment in the set of porous compartments has a closeable opening that is large enough to receive at least one item selected from the matched pair of washable items. Each compartment in the set of porous compartments has a first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed second boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment. Soiled items are placed in set of porous compartments. Matched items can be enclosed in a single porous compartment or in adjacent porous compartments. The enclosed items are laundered while in the laundry aide and easily removed and coupled thereafter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Non-provisional patent application which claims the benefit of the filing date of a provisional patent application assigned application Ser. No. 62/146,507, filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “Laundry Aide and Method for Sorting, Laundering and Drying Matched Articles of Clothing,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Clothes hampers, laundry bags, and other collection devices of various types have been used for many years to collect and pre-sort articles of clothing that are to be laundered. Many variations provide separators to assist in the process of pre-sorting soiled clothing items. These separators create multiple compartments that provide distinct receptacles for storing like articles of clothing to be laundered. Hampers and laundry bags are generally used solely for sorting and temporarily storing soiled clothing and are not suited for use in a washing machine or clothes dryer. As a result, those who launder and dry articles of clothing are tasked with locating and matching small items like socks and mittens from a laundry load containing possibly dissimilar styles, colors, sizes, and fabrics.

Consider the following relevant prior art:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,416 to Smillie (2000) features rigid inserts to keep the desired items separate until it is time for them to be laundered. The rigid inserts are removed when it is time for washing; the laundry items are then emptied directly into the washing machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,078 to Bronovicki (1996) features removable solid partitions in a clothes hamper which adjust for the purpose of pre-sorting laundry items. Like the apparatus shown in Smillie, the soiled clothes are removed from the hamper and loaded together into the washing machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,309 to Fragale (1977) exhibits removable rigid built in sub-containers for the purpose of pre-sorting laundry, which is later to be dumped into the washing machine with the other contents of the container.

Such prior art inventions are cumbersome and often difficult to move. It is clear that such prior art inventions do not keep smaller matching articles together during the entire laundering process, causing the user to sort and match these smaller matching articles of clothing. Even when sized for ease of movement, the aforementioned hampers and laundry bags do not have the ability to prevent the smaller items like socks from being lost during the washing and or drying stages of the laundering process. A single sock or small article of clothing is often lost when it adheres temporarily to a larger article during the transfer of laundry from the washer or dryer. This can happen when a small item is wadded up amongst other wet clothes coming from the washer, and also when coming from the dryer by statically clinging to another item.

Laundry bags suitable for use in a washer and dryer, which allow for the presorted items to be washed and dried separate from other items, have been a major advance for those who do laundry. Despite this advance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,514 to Orensten (1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,259 to Guerra (2001) illustrate and describe relatively large single compartment mesh containers suitable for use in a washer and a dryer. These and similar designs result in clothes often becoming packed together, which can lead to poor circulation of soap and water in the washing and rinsing cycles in the washer and poor air circulation in the clothes dryer.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 294,757 to Kahane (1988) introduced a multiple pocket design. Kahane shows a number of separately closeable rectangular or square-shaped compartments distributed along a first side of the apparatus with a single compartment on an opposed side. The multiple pockets are arranged in an overlapping back-to-back configuration. This arrangement does not allow for proper circulation of soap and water in the washing cycle, which can leave clothes dirty. In addition, poor circulation of rinse water can result in soap build up within the laundry and skin irritation for those who wear the laundered items. Another consequence of Kahane's construction is poor air circulation in a clothes dryer, resulting in longer drying times, which consumes more energy.

Thus, there is a need for improved mechanisms for sorting and laundering matched articles of clothing.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of an improved laundry aide dramatically reduce the effort and time required to locate and recouple a matched pair of washable items after the items are laundered. The improved laundry aide is arranged to receive and securely enclose washable items and is particularly well suited to securely enclose washable articles such as socks, knit gloves and or mittens. Those who launder many pairs of matched items such as socks, gloves or mittens for even a single person are often faced with the task of searching through their garments and or their appliances for a missing article from a matched pair of such washable items.

An example embodiment of an improved laundry aide includes a set of porous compartments arranged about a member. Each compartment in the set of porous compartments includes a closeable opening large enough to receive at least one washable item. In addition, each compartment in the set of porous compartments has a first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed second boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment.

An example embodiment of a method for using a laundry aide includes the steps of receiving through a closeable opening large enough to enable at least one washable item to enter a separate porous compartment of the laundry aide, the separate porous compartments including a respective first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment, the first boundary and the opposed boundary are connected to an arcuate boundary between the first boundary and the opposed boundary, repeating the receiving for a remaining washable item, securing the closeable opening of the separate porous compartments that have a washable item and washing the washable items contained in the laundry aide.

An example embodiment of a method for making an improved laundry aide includes the steps of providing a member, providing sets of corresponding panels having at least one arcuate boundary where one of the corresponding panels forms an opening large enough to receive at least one washable item, forming compartments by attaching the corresponding panels along opposed boundaries of the panels, attaching compartments radially about the member such that adjacent compartments are attached to each other along a boundary that extends from the member to the arcuate boundary and attaching a mechanism proximal to the arcuate boundary of the laundry aide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. Features in the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top plan view of an improved laundry aide.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating example articles that can be laundered using the laundry aide of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side plan view of one of the example articles that can be laundered in the direction of line B-B of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating example articles that can be laundered using the laundry aide of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the laundry aide of FIG. 1 in the direction of line A-A.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom plan view of the laundry aide of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an improved sorting, laundering and drying process as enabled by the laundry aide of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a method for using the laundry aide of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a method of making a laundering aide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

An improved laundry aide dramatically reduces the effort and time required to locate and recouple a matched pair of washable items after the washing and drying steps of a laundry process are completed. The apparatus includes a central member and a set of porous compartments arranged about the central member. Each compartment in the set of porous compartments has a closeable opening that is large enough when opened to receive at least one item selected from the matched pair of washable items. Each compartment is preferably arranged to securely enclose a volume that is large enough to receive and enclose each item in a matched pair of soiled items. In addition, each compartment in the set of porous compartments has a first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed second boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment. Soiled items are placed in set of porous compartments. Matched items can be enclosed in a single porous compartment, in adjacent porous compartments, or in opposed porous compartments. The enclosed items are laundered while in the laundry aide and easily removed and coupled thereafter.

The laundry aide can be arranged with a mechanism such as a tab having an opening for hanging the laundry aide on a door knob. In other embodiments, the laundry aide is arranged with a hook or loop for hanging the laundry aide on a closet rod, a clothes hanger, a door frame or the top of a door. The hook, loop or tab can be attached close to the arcuate boundary of the laundry aide. The hook, loop or tab is made from materials that can be used safely in a mechanical washing machine and clothes dryer.

The laundry aide may further include a label to associate the contents with a roommate or a family member. The label may include a name, nickname, initial or may be personalized in other ways using materials that can be used safely in the washer and clothes dryer. The label may be applied or arranged on the tab or when present the hook. Alternatively, the label may be applied or arranged on or about the center of the laundry aide. Multiple laundry aides of various sizes can be used by roommates or families to keep matched pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, etc. together from the moment they are secured in a compartment of the laundry aide until the laundered contents are returned to the wearer for storage with their other clean items.

Reference is now directed to the illustrated examples. Referring initially to FIG. 1, the illustration includes a top plan view of an example embodiment of an improved laundry aide 100. The laundry aide 100 includes N similarly sized and shaped compartments arranged about a central member 102, where N is an integer. In preferred arrangements, N is even and at least four to enable users to keep their soiled matched pairs together from the moment they are inserted in a corresponding one of the N compartments.

The central member 102 is flexible and has a length that is greater than the thickness of the at least one article of the matched pair of articles to be laundered. In some embodiments, the central member 102 is a seam sewn with synthetic thread through two or more pieces of mesh like fabric that separate compartments. In other arrangements, the central member 102 includes an element that is semi-rigid and constructed from plastic or another washable material formed like a tube. In these other arrangements the element included in the central member 102 may be covered with a fabric (not shown). The fabric is colorfast and machine washable and may have a significantly tighter weave than the panels 111, 121, 131, 141. In these arrangements, one or more of the boundary 112, boundary 114, boundary 128 and boundary 148 may be sewn, fused or glued to the fabric near the central member 102.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a surface 162 is arranged on the exterior surface of the laundry aide 100. The surface 162 provides a location for a label. The label may include a trade name, trademark, symbol or the like. The label may further include an initial, initials, or the name of the owner or wearer of the articles to be laundered in the laundry aide. In some arrangements, the label may include one or the other of the initial, initials or name or the trade name, symbol or trademark or both. Whatever information is provided on the label, the label is colorfast and machine washable fabric with a significantly tighter weave or pattern than that used for the panels. The fabric or an alternative material that provides a location for a label or labels may be fused or sewn over the central member 102 or at another desired location or locations along the exterior surfaces of the panels 111, 121, 131, 141.

A first compartment 110 is formed by a panel 111 and an opposed back side panel 113 (obscured in FIG. 1). The panel 111 and the panel 113 are constructed of synthetic threads interlaced to form a net or a mesh like boundary that keeps the matched articles enclosed therein during the washing and drying cycles, while providing for adequate flow of water, detergent and or other liquids in a washing machine and adequate air flow in a clothes dryer.

The first compartment 110 is accessible through an opening 115 formed by a nylon or plastic zipper 119 that is sewn, fused, or otherwise attached along the opening 115 in panel 111. The opening 115 is large enough to receive at least one article of a matched pair of washable items such as a sock, a mitten or a knit glove that has been soiled and is need of laundering. Once at least one article of the matched pair of washables items is inserted and the zipper 119 is closed, the article securely remains in the first compartment 110 throughout the laundering process. When the matched pair of articles to be laundered is lightly soiled, the first porous compartment 110 may be used to securely enclose both items of the matched pair.

The first compartment 110 has a first boundary 112 and an opposed or second boundary 114. The first boundary 112 and the second boundary 114 join the panel 111 to the panel 113. The first boundary 112 is shared with a first neighbor compartment 120. The second boundary 114 is shared with a second neighbor compartment 130. An arcuate boundary 116 connects the first boundary 112 to the second boundary 114. In some arrangements, one or more of the first boundary 112, the second boundary 114 and the arcuate boundary 116 are formed from additional panels constructed of synthetic threads interlaced to form a net or a mesh like boundary that keeps the matched articles enclosed in the respective porous compartments. Alternatively, the arcuate boundary 116 may be formed of a panel of a colorfast material that is different from other panels arranged in a net or mesh. For example, the panel (at one or more of the boundaries 112, 114, 128, 148 may be made from a fabric having a significantly tighter weave than the net or mesh. A first edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 111. An opposed or second edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 113. The additional panel forms one or both of the boundary 112 and/or the boundary 114. It should be understood that when the additional panel forms only one of the boundary 112 or the boundary 114 the remaining boundary will be formed from a second additional panel. Each of the second compartment 120, the third compartment 130 and the fourth compartment 140 are similarly arranged. In an alternative arrangement, the first boundary 112 and the second boundary 114 are formed by fusing or sewing the panel 111 to the panel 113.

While the illustrated arrangement shows a laundry aide 100 with four similarly sized porous compartments, it should be understood that in alternative arrangements, both the size and number of compartments may vary. For example, two compartments may be sized such that they consume half of the total volume of the laundry aide, while four or another number even number of compartments are sized to evenly consume the remaining half of the volume. It should be further understood that although the illustrated embodiment shows each porous compartment with a different closing mechanism, the same closing mechanism may be arranged with each respective opening. Alternatively, two or more of the porous compartments may be arranged with a similar closing mechanism, while the remaining porous compartments include one or more dissimilar closing mechanisms, respectively. It should also be understood that although the illustrated embodiment shows each of the closeable openings of the compartments arranged on one side of the laundry aide, other arrangements are contemplated. For example, closeable openings may be arranged on both sides of the laundry aide with adjacent compartments having closeable openings on the same side or opposite sides of the laundry aide as may be desired.

For example, compartment 120 includes an opening 125 in the panel 121. The opening 125 is covered by a flap 122 that is permanently sewn or fused to the panel 121 on one side of the opening 125 and that is secured to the panel 121 on the opposite side of the opening 125 with one half of a fastener 124 that securely engages the flap 122 to the panel 121 by pressing the two halves together. In this regard, the fastener 124 is a component of a system including a male element and a female element. Although a single fastener 124 is shown, the flap 122 can be arranged with two or more fasteners. Although the flap 122 is arranged with the fastener 124 proximate to the arcuate boundary 126, in other embodiments the flap 122 may be arranged with the fastener 124 closer to the central member 102.

The second compartment 120 has a first boundary 112 and an opposed or second boundary 128. The first boundary 112 and the second boundary 128 join the panel 121 to the panel 123. The first boundary 112 is shared with a first neighbor compartment 110. The second boundary 128 is shared with a second neighbor compartment 140. An arcuate boundary 126 connects the first boundary 112 to the second boundary 128. In some arrangements, one or more of the first boundary 112, the second boundary 128 and the arcuate boundary 126 are formed from additional panels constructed of synthetic threads interlaced to form a net or a mesh like boundary that keeps the matched articles enclosed in the respective porous compartments. Alternatively, the arcuate boundary 126 may be formed of a panel of a colorfast material that is different from other panels arranged in a net or mesh. A first edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 121. An opposed or second edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 123. The additional panel forms one or both of the boundary 112 and/or the boundary 128. It should be understood that when the additional panel forms only one of the boundary 112 or the boundary 128 the remaining boundary will be formed from a second additional panel.

By way of further example, compartment 130 includes an opening 135 in the panel 131. The opening 135 is covered by a flap 132 that is permanently sewn or fused to the panel 131 on one side of the opening 135 and that is secured to the panel 131 on the opposite side of the opening 135 with a button 137 that is sewn to the panel 133 and that passes through a slit or button hole 134 in the panel 131 arranged in registration with the button 137. Although a single button hole 134 and corresponding button 137 is shown, the flap 132 can be arranged with two or more buttons or other fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 132 is arranged with the button hole 134 proximate to the arcuate boundary 136. In other embodiments the flap 132 may be arranged with the button hole 134 closer to the central member 102 with the flap 132 opening in a direction away from the central member 102 towards the arcuate boundary 136. In these other embodiments, the button 137 is fixed to the panel 133 in registration with the button hole 134.

The third compartment 130 has a first boundary 114 and an opposed or second boundary 148. The first boundary 114 and the second boundary 148 join the panel 131 to the panel 133. The first boundary 114 is shared with a first neighbor compartment 110. The second boundary 148 is shared with a second neighbor compartment 140. An arcuate boundary 136 connects the first boundary 114 to the second boundary 148. In some arrangements, one or more of the first boundary 114, the second boundary 148 and the arcuate boundary 136 are formed from additional panels constructed of synthetic threads interlaced to form a net or a mesh like boundary that keeps the matched articles enclosed in the respective porous compartments. Alternatively, the arcuate boundary 136 may be formed of a panel of a colorfast material that is different from other panels arranged in a net or mesh. A first edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 131. An opposed or second edge of the additional panel is sewn or fused to the panel 133. The additional panel forms one or both of the boundary 114 and/or the boundary 148. It should be understood that when the additional panel forms only one of the boundary 114 or the boundary 148 the remaining boundary will be formed from a second additional panel.

In another example, porous compartment 140 includes an opening 145 in the panel 141. The opening 145 is covered by a flap 142 that is permanently sewn or fused to the panel 141 on one side of the opening 145 and that is fastened to the panel 141 on the opposite side of the opening 145 with one half of a hook and loop fastener 144 sewn or fused to the underside of the flap 142 in registration with a remaining half of the hook and loop fastener sewn or fused to the face of the panel 143. Although illustrated with a single instance of a hook and loop fastener arranged generally along a significant portion of the width of the flap 142, the flap 142 can be arranged with two or more instances of hook and loop fasteners having other shapes and covering less the same or more area of the releasable area of the flap 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 142 is arranged with the hook and loop fastener 144 proximate to the arcuate boundary 146. In other embodiments the flap 142 may be arranged with the fastener 142 closer to the central member 102. In these other embodiments, the other half of the hook and loop fastener 144 is fixed to an overlapping portion of the panel 143 so that the corresponding halves of the hook and loop fastener 144 engage each other when pressure is applied against the flap 142 and the panel 143 in the region of the flap 142.

Each of the flap 122, flap 132 and flap 142 are constructed of synthetic threads interlaced to form a net or a mesh like boundary that keeps the matched articles enclosed therein during the washing and drying cycles, while providing for adequate flow of water, detergent and or other liquids in a washing machine and adequate air flow in a clothes dryer.

Another colorfast and machine washable fabric with a significantly tighter weave or pattern than that used for the panel 121 or the panel 123 may be fused or sewn over a corresponding portion of the flap 122 to provide adequate support for attaching one-half of fastener 124 to the flap 122. A similar washable fabric may be fused or sewn over a corresponding portion of the panel 123 to provide support for the remaining half of the fastener 124.

Similarly, a colorfast and machine washable fabric with a significantly tighter weave or pattern than that used for the panel 131 or for the panel 133 may be fused or sewn over a portion of the flap 132 to reinforce the button hole 134. A similar machine washable fabric may be sewn or fused to the panel 133 to support the button 137.

In addition, a colorfast and machine washable fabric with a significantly tighter weave or pattern than that used for the panel 141 or for the panel 143 may be fused or sewn over a portion of the flap 142 to reinforce the hook or loop fastener 144 fixed to the flap 142. A similar machine washable fabric may be sewn or fused to the panel 143 to support the remaining half of the hook and loop fastener 144.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the openings 115, 125, 135, 145 is generally arranged in an angle with respect to both of the first boundary and the second boundary. In other arrangements, the openings 115, 125, 135, 145 are arranged such that one or more are substantially parallel to one of the first boundary or the second boundary.

However the respective porous compartments 120, 130, 140 are arranged in size, each shares at least a portion of its boundary with the central member 102. In addition, each of the porous compartments shares a first boundary with a first neighbor compartment, a second boundary opposed to the first boundary is shared with a respective neighbor compartment and an arcuate boundary connects (or extends from) the first boundary to the second boundary.

The laundry aide 100 is arranged with a tab 150 that is sewn or fused along or near the outermost edge. The tab is suitably sized and arranged with a hole or opening 155 that fits over a door knob, a hook secured to a mount, such as a wall or a door, or the hook of a clothes hangar. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 150 includes a label 160. The label 160 may include a name, a nickname, an initial or some other identifier that is used to identify the wearer or owner of the articles to be laundered in the laundry aide 100. In other embodiments, the label 160 may be fixed over the central member 102 or in another desired location.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated schematically by way of an arrow with a broken line, the tab 150 may be replaced with a hook 170 arranged for hanging the laundry aide 100 from a door knob, a rod such as in a closet, a door frame or other possible supporting surface. In this alternative arrangement, the label 160 may be applied on or near the base of the hook 170.

In another alternative embodiment, the tab 150 may be replaced with a removable hook with a spring biased clamp that can grasp the laundry aide 100 so that it can be suspended from the top surface of a door or other desired mount.

FIGS. 2A and 2C illustrate schematically a first matched pair 210 and a second matched pair 220 of example items of clothing that can be laundered together in the laundry aide 100 of FIG. 1. The matched pair 210 includes a first article or item 212 such as a first sock and a second article or item 214, in this case, a second sock that matches the first sock. Both items 212, 214 have a length L that enables the item to be placed within one of the porous compartments 110, 120, 130, 140 of the laundry aide 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2B the item 214 has a thickness T that enables the item 214 to pass though one or more of the closeable openings of the laundry aide and to remain enclosed or secured within one of the porous compartment 110, 120, 130, 140 of the laundry aide 100 of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the matched pair 220 includes a first article or item 222 such as a left-hand mitten and further includes a second article or item 224 such as a right-hand mitten that matches the left-hand mitten. The first article or item 212 can be placed in a first porous compartment of the laundry aide 100. The laundry aide 100 can be used in this manner until each of the N porous compartments includes an article or item and is secured by the respective fastener or closing mechanism associated with the openings of the porous compartments. When the first matched pair 210 and the second matched pair 220 will be washed and dried in a similar manner (e.g., using the same detergent, in warm water and in clothes dryer with the time and temperature settings), articles or items from both the first matched pair 210 and the second matched pair 220 may be placed and secured in separate compartments of the laundry aide 100 and laundered together in the laundry aide 100.

When so desired, a user of the laundry aide 100 can place the second article or item 214 in the same porous compartment, in an adjacent porous compartment or even in an opposed porous compartment of the laundry aide 100. A second compartment (wherever located with respect to the first compartment) may be selected when one of the first item 212 or the second item 214 is heavily soiled that is when both articles in the matched pair 210 are heavily soiled. Whether placed in a single compartment or in separate compartments, each may be secured using the respective fastener or fasteners for securely closing the opening in preparation for washing and drying the first matched pair 210. When the washing machine has completed a washing cycle, the laundry aide 100 and the enclosed first matched pair 210 may be placed in a clothes dryer for machine drying or hung from a clothesline or other support to air dry. Once the articles therein are dry, the laundry aide 100 may be returned to the owner or wearer of item 212 and the item 214 for folding or otherwise coupling the same and placing the matched pair of laundered items in a desired drawer, shelf or other location suitable for storing such items.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of an alternative embodiment of the laundry aide identified by reference 100′. In this arrangement, the tab 150 is replaced with a loop 310 of colorfast and washable fabric. The loop 310 forms an opening 315 suitable for receiving a doorknob, a fixed hook, or other mounting surface (not shown) for supporting the laundry aide 100′. In other aspects the laundry aide 100′ includes the features of the laundry aide 100 introduced in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of line A-A.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the laundry aide 100′ includes porous compartment 120 and porous compartment 140 separated from one another by the central member 102 and the boundary 128. Although the central member 102 is illustrated by straight hidden lines, the central member 102 is flexible. In addition, the central member 102 has a length in a first dimension as indicated from the left-most end to the right-most end in FIG. 3 that is greater than a thickness of the at least one washable item.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, porous compartment 120 is bounded or defined by panel 121 and panel 123, which meet at the arcuate boundary 126. Porous compartment 120 can be accessed via opening 125 (FIG. 1) in panel 121, which is covered by the flap 122. A first half 124 a of the fastener 124 (FIG. 1) extends through the flap 122. A second half 124 b of the fastener or fastening system 124 is arranged on the external or outward facing surface of the panel 121 in registration with the first half 124 a of the fastener 124.

As described, the fastener 124 may comprise a male component and a corresponding female component that receives and engages the male component to temporarily attach the flap 122 over the opening 125 to secure or retain articles of clothing in the porous compartment 120 while the laundry aide 100′ and its contents are washed and dried. The male component can be arranged on either the flap 122 or the panel 121 with the female component arranged or located on the other element or feature. As also described, the components of the fastener 124 may be attached to a swatch of fabric (not shown) to secure the components to the panel 121 and the flap 122, respectively.

Porous compartment 140 is bounded or defined by panel 141 and panel 143, which meet at the arcuate boundary 146. Porous compartment 140 is accessed via opening 145 (FIG. 1) in panel 141, which is covered by the flap 142. A first half 144 a of fastener or fastening system 144 is fused or sewn to the underside of the flap 142. A second half 144 b of fastener or fastening system 144 is fused or sewn on the external or outward facing surface of panel 141 in registration with the first half 144 a of the fastener 144.

Both porous compartment 120 and porous compartment 140 define separate volumes that are suitable for securely enclosing either article or item 212, 214 (FIG. 2A) or article or item 222, 224 (FIG. 2C).

As described, the fastener or fastening system 144 may comprise hooks or loops associated with a hook and loop fastening system to temporarily attach the flap 142 over the opening 145 to secure or retain articles of clothing in the porous compartment 140 while the laundry aide 100′ and its contents are washed and dried. The component with hooks can be arranged on either the flap 142 or the panel 141 with the component with loops arranged or located on the other element or feature. As also described, the components of the fastener 144 may be attached to a swatch of fabric (not shown) to secure the components of the fastener 144 to the panel 141 and the flap 142, respectively.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, surface 162 a is fused or sewn to the panels 111, 121, 131, 141 and provides a colorfast and machine washable area for a label such as the described trade name, symbol, initial, initials or a name. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, surface 162 b is fused, sewn or otherwise attached to the opposing panels 113, 123, 133, 143 and provides a colorfast and machine washable area for the same label as applied to the surface 162 a or another label as desired.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan or opposed side view of the laundry aide 100 introduced in FIG. 1. The zipper 119 and flaps 122, 132, 142 are shown with broken lines to indicate that they are arranged along the opposed panels 111, 121, 131, 141 of the laundry aide 100. In alternative arrangements, one or more of the porous compartments may have an opening on both panels. In still other alternative arrangements, a respective opening may be arranged along the arcuate boundary 116, 126, 136, 146. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, together the arcuate boundary 116, 126, 136 and 146 of the illustrated compartments 110, 120, 130, 140 comprise an external arcuate boundary of the laundry aide 100.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for using the laundry aide of FIG. 1. The improved method 400 begins with block 402 where a matched pair of washable items are identified or otherwise located after being worn or soiled. In block 404 the matched pair of items to be laundered is inserted into one or more compartments of a laundry aide 100. In block 406 the item or items from the matched pair of items are secured in the one or more compartments. As described, a single compartment may suffice and in fact be preferred to keep the items together throughout the laundering process. Alternatively, when one or both of the items in the matched pair of items are heavily soiled or for perhaps other reasons, the items may be located in adjacent compartments or opposed compartments of the laundry aide 100. When the laundry aide is not full, the functions associated with blocks 402 through 406 may be repeated.

Otherwise, when the laundry aide is determined to be full (i.e., one or more items are secured in each of the available porous compartments) the laundry aide 100 is washed along with the secured items, as indicated in block 410. Thereafter, as shown in block 412, the laundry aide and the secured items are dried. One or both of the functions shown in blocks 410 and 412 may be performed automatically by way of a washing machine or a clothes drier. Alternatively, the laundry aide 100 may be placed on top of a clothes dryer, hung from a line or a rod or some other support to air dry.

Once the articles or items in the laundry aide 100 are determined to be sufficiently dry, the opening(s) of the corresponding porous compartment(s) are released, as indicated in block 414 and the contents removed as indicated in block 416. These functions can be performed on a compartment by compartment basis and the matched pair of washable items can be coupled to one another or returned together to a suitable location where like items are stored. Once all the items have been removed, the laundry aide 100 can be returned to a location where soiled items are collected, as shown in block 418.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of an improved sorting, laundering and drying process as enabled by the laundry aide of FIG. 1. The improved method 500 begins with block 502 where a washable item is received through a closeable opening (e.g., opening 115, 125, 135, 145) in a porous compartment (e.g., compartment 110, 120, 130, 140) of a multiple compartment laundry aide 100. In block 504 it is determined if each of the porous compartments include an article or item to be laundered. If not, the method returns to block 502 where a subsequent article or item is received in a compartment of the laundry aide 100. Otherwise, when the laundry is full or as a launderer desires, the method continues with block 506 where the item or items are secured in the one or more compartments. Next, as indicated in block 508, the laundry aide 100 and the secured washable items (e.g., 212, 214, 222, 224) are washed. It should be understood that a washing process may use a washing machine or may be accomplished by hand as may be desired. Thereafter, in block 510, the laundry aide 100 and the secured washable items (now washed and perhaps rinsed) are dried. It should be understood that a drying process may use a clothes dryer or may be accomplished by hanging the laundry aide 100 from a line or fixture or even placing the laundry aide on a warm surface as may be desired. Once the items are dry, as indicated in block 512, the closeable openings of the separate porous compartments are released or opened. In block 514, the washable items are removed from the laundry aide 100. In block 516, the laundry aide 100 is returned to a place where soiled washable items are collected.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a method 600 of making a laundering aide. The method 600 begins with blocks 602 and 604 where a member and sets of corresponding panels having an arcuate boundary where one of the panels forms an opening appropriately sized to receive a washable item are respectively provided. It should be understood that the functions illustrated in blocks 602 and 604 could be performed in order, in reverse or even together. In block 606, compartments are formed by attaching corresponding panels along opposed boundaries of the panels. In block 608, compartments are attached radially about the member such that adjacent compartments are attached along a boundary that extends from the member to the arcuate boundary. In block 610, a mechanism is attached at a location near the arcuate boundary. In block 612, a label is fixed to the laundry aide.

Certain steps in the processes or process flows described in this specification naturally precede others for the laundry aide to be used or assembled as described. However, the present system and methods are not limited to the order of the steps described if such order or sequence does not alter the functionality of the above-described systems and methods. That is, it is recognized that some steps may be performed before, after, or in parallel (substantially simultaneously) with other steps. In some instances, certain steps may be omitted or not performed without departing from the above-described systems and methods. Further, words such as “thereafter”, “then”, “next”, “subsequently”, etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the exemplary method.

Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the present laundry aide and methods, as defined by the following claims.

List of reference signs: 100, 100′ laundry aide 102 member 110 compartment 111 panel 112 boundary 113 panel 114 opposed boundary 115 opening 116 arcuate boundary 119 zipper 120 compartment 121 panel 122 flap 123 panel 124, 124a, 124b fastener 125 opening 126 arcuate boundary 128 boundary 130 compartment 131 panel 132 flap 133 panel 134 button hole 135 opening 136 arcuate boundary 137 button 140 compartment 141 panel 142 flap 143 panel 144, 144a, 144b fastener 145 opening 146 arcuate boundary 148 boundary 150 tab 155 opening 160 label 162, 162a, 162b surface 170 hook 210 matched pair of washable items 212 item 214 item 220 matched pair of washable items 222 item 224 item 310 loop 315 opening 

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry aide, comprising: a central member; and a set of porous compartments attached to the central member, the set of porous compartments having a closeable opening large enough to receive at least one washable item, the set of porous compartments having a first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment of the laundry aide.
 2. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein the central member is flexible and has a first dimension that is greater than a thickness of the at least one washable item.
 3. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein the set of porous compartments are constructed of opposed panels formed with an interlaced structure of a synthetic thread.
 4. The laundry aide of claim 3, wherein the central member is formed from the synthetic thread.
 5. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein the central member includes a plastic element that is semi-rigid.
 6. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein a member of the set of porous compartments has an arcuate boundary that connects the first boundary to the second boundary.
 7. The laundry aide of claim 6, wherein the first boundary and the second boundary comprise a respective seam that fixes opposed panels along a shared edge that extends from the central member to the arcuate boundary.
 8. The laundry aide of claim 7, wherein the respective seam further fixes opposed panels along a respective shared edge of the first neighbor compartment along the shared edge that extends from the central member to the arcuate boundary.
 9. The laundry aide of claim 6, further comprising: a mechanism coupled proximal to an external arcuate boundary.
 10. The laundry aide of claim 9, wherein the mechanism coupled proximal to the external arcuate boundary is selected from a group consisting of a loop, a tab with an opening, and a hook.
 11. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein the closeable opening comprises a flap.
 12. The laundry aide of claim 11, wherein the flap is arranged with a fastener.
 13. The laundry aide of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a component of a hook and loop type fastener.
 14. The laundry aide of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a component selected from one of a button and a button hole.
 15. The laundry aide of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a component of a system including a male element and a female element.
 16. The laundry aide of claim 1, wherein the closeable opening is closed with a zipper.
 17. The laundry aide of claim 1, further comprising a label.
 18. A method for using a laundry aide, the method comprising: receiving through a closeable opening large enough to enable at least one washable item to enter one of a set of separate porous compartment of the laundry aide, the set of separate porous compartments including a respective first boundary that is shared with a first neighbor compartment and an opposed boundary that is shared with a second neighbor compartment, the first boundary and the opposed boundary connected to an arcuate boundary between the first boundary and the opposed boundary; repeating the receiving for a remaining washable item; securing the closeable opening of the separate porous compartments that have a washable item; and washing the washable items contained in the laundry aide.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: drying the washable items contained in the laundry aide.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein each washable item is in a separate porous compartment during the washing and drying.
 21. The method of claim 18, where a matched pair of washable items are received in one of adjacent and separate porous compartments and opposed separate porous compartments in the laundry aide.
 22. The method of claim 18, further comprising: opening the closeable opening of separate porous compartments that have washable items; and removing the washable items from the laundry aide.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the washable items include matched pairs selected from a group consisting of hosiery, gloves, and mittens.
 24. A method making a laundry aide, the method comprising: providing a central member; providing sets of corresponding panels having at least one arcuate boundary where one of the corresponding panels forms an opening large enough to receive at least one washable item; forming compartments by attaching the corresponding panels along opposed boundaries of the corresponding panels; attaching compartments radially about the central member such that adjacent compartments are attached to each other along a boundary that extends from the central member to the at least one arcuate boundary; and attaching a mechanism proximal to an external arcuate boundary of the laundry aide. 